In Psychiatry we define addictions as habitual usage of something that creates physical and psychological dependence. Furthermore, when the activity is discontinued, the individual experiences withdrawal. Substances such as alcohol and drugs fall under this addiction model. When considering behaviors such as sexual activity, shopping, eating and more recently internet use, these behaviors don’t quite […]
Depression Versus Unhappiness – Are We Over-Prescribing?
I saw a segment on The Today Show this morning about the millions of antidepressants prescribed. Questions arose as to whether or not this is an indication of Americans wanting a quick fix or are doctors over-prescribing the medications. This opens a pandora’s box of issues ranging from who should treat depression to the state […]
Bad Sibling Relationships Leads to Depression?
A study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry, June 2007 issue addressed the effect of sibling relationships on a person later developing depression. We’ve known for years that troubles in childhood significantly impact one’s future risk of developing depression or other emotional disturbances. However, the childhood troubles mostly focused on our relationship with our […]
What You Do Before Bedtime Matters
We don’t fully understand the mechanism of insomnia (defined as difficulty initiating or maintaining sleep). But some theorists believe untimely central nervous system arousal plays a large part. Our brains are always on, however when we think hard about something, our brain is more activated or aroused than when we are not consciously thinking about […]
Are Generic Medicines Just as Good?
I’ve always been a firm believer that brand didn’t matter much and you should save your money by passing up the $6 Advil for the $2 Ibuprofen. When I was in medical school and residency, we learned generic names for drugs so as not to give too much credit to the drug manufacturer and recognize […]
Benzodiazepines are Not Good for Sleep
I’ve frequently prescribed benzodiazepines (benzos) such as Klonopin and Ativan for patients with anxiety. For some patients who are particularly anxious in the evenings, taking the medication can help relax them to the point of falling asleep easier. I usually tell them it’s not a good long term solution for sleep and the most obvious […]